Henry James Nowak (February 21, 1935 – July 21, 2024) was an American lawyer, politician, and a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives from New York between 1975 and 1993.

[3] As a basketball player, Nowak was nicknamed "Hammerin' Hank" for his tough, aggressive playstyle.

[8] Nowak was elected as a Democrat in 1974 – among a group of liberal Democrats elected that year known as the Watergate Babies — to represent New York's 37th congressional district in the 94th Congress, after 4 terms Nowak was redistricted into the 33rd district, which he represented for 5 terms.

During his entire congressional career, he was a member of the U.S. House Committee on Public Works and Transportation.

[10] With many new members anticipated in 1995 because of heavy turnover, Nowak reportedly did not not want to remain in Congress so long his successor started a House career with a seniority disadvantage, though his decision to retire prompted disappointment among Democratic leaders in both Buffalo and Albany, the state capital.